Avian Flu 2025: What Poultry Owners and the Public Need to Know

Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, isn't just a headline—it’s a reality that’s rapidly unfolding in the Philippines.

As someone who’s seen firsthand how this disease affects livelihoods and communities, I feel compelled to help spread awareness about what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what we can do about it.

Bird Flu Cases on the Rise: What We Know So Far

This year alone, bird flu outbreaks have been confirmed in 99 municipalities, affecting poultry farms across Pampanga, Kalinga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, and Leyte Province. Most recently, the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain has been detected in three new cases, impacting nine farmers in Tarlac, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija.

This isn’t just a poultry problem—it’s a public health warning.

Poultry Industry at Risk: A Threat to Food and Livelihood

For context, the poultry industry in the Philippines is valued at over ₱68.76 billion, supporting thousands of families across the country. But the recent bird flu outbreaks are putting that at serious risk. One farm in Leyte lost 4,475 birds out of a flock of 60,259—a devastating blow for any poultry operator.

As demand for chicken and eggs continues to grow, so do the challenges. Rising infection rates could lead to higher production costs, food supply disruptions, and price spikes that hit consumers nationwide.

Vaccine Urgency: What Experts Are Saying

Recognizing the looming crisis, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) and Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. held a vital roundtable titled “The Urgency of Vaccines in Preventing Avian Influenza in the Philippines.”

Experts from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Department of Agriculture (DA) agreed: vaccination and sustainable biosecurity measures are key to protecting both poultry and people.

“We must take immediate action to control the spread and safeguard public health,” stressed Raul Senedrin, Head of Poultry at Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.

Real Actions Being Taken

In 2023, Boehringer Ingelheim donated AI test kits to stakeholders in Luzon and Mindanao to help boost disease surveillance. And on August 12, 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) issued a regional alert, warning of ongoing risks that could destabilize the entire poultry supply chain.

According to GPCCI President Marie Antoinette Mariano, strengthening public-private partnerships is crucial:

“We’re committed to fostering collaboration to make the sector more resilient.”

Public Health at Risk: Why This Affects Everyone

Although bird flu mostly affects birds, human transmission is a real danger, especially for poultry workers. Since 2003, there have been 887 confirmed human H5N1 infections and 462 deaths—with most cases occurring in Asia and Africa.

Some infected individuals have developed serious complications, including encephalitis and gastrointestinal issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that if the virus mutates further, it could become more transmissible between humans, potentially triggering a broader public health emergency.

Moving Forward: What Needs to Happen

Stopping the spread of bird flu in the Philippines requires more than just reacting to outbreaks. It demands:

• Proactive vaccination campaigns
• Regular monitoring and surveillance
• Stronger biosecurity practices on farms
• Continued collaboration between government, business, and international allies

As Dr. David Klebs, Economic Counsellor at the German Embassy Manila, put it:

“Germany stands with the Philippines in this fight. Through science and cooperation, we can protect food security and livelihoods.”

As a Filipino, I know how important poultry is—not just to our meals but to our communities and economy. That’s why it's crucial we treat bird flu with the seriousness it deserves. We need to act fast, act smart, and work together to protect what matters most: our health, our farmers, and our future.

Want to learn more? Check out the GPCCI’s in-depth white paper on bird flu vaccines here:

The State of the Avian Influenza Vaccine in the Philippines